The Red Headed League
Complete textJabez Wilson tells Holmes about a highly paid position available only to red-headed men, which required him to copy an encyclopedia in a nearly empty office. When the organization abruptly vanishes, Holmes examines why anyone wanted Wilson occupied elsewhere for a fixed part of each day.
Continue readingAbout The Red Headed League
The case turns an absurd employment scheme into a question about time and location. Watson records enough of Holmes's movements to make the eventual pattern feel materially grounded, while Wilson's understandable focus on lost wages delays the larger inquiry. The comedy of the interview gradually gives way to anticipation of a hidden operation.
Reading focus
Investigate a ludicrous job offer whose schedule matters more than its stated duties, in a Holmes case balancing comedy and suspense.
This reading edition contains 9,117 words in 1 original section. Read the text online with adjustable type and three colour themes, or keep a printable PDF.
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle. Language: English. Reading edition: 28 October 2026.
Opening excerpt
I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me.
Contents
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This edition contains the complete English literary text, with 1 section and 9,117 words. This reading edition preserves the checked English text and its section order. No study notes have been added.
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